Police capture 103 suspects in crackdown on Borno criminals

No fewer than 103 suspects have been arrested by the Borno State Police Command in a major clampdown on thuggery, drug peddling, and other social vices in Maiduguri metropolis.

The arrests were made during coordinated township patrols and raid operations carried out by the Rapid Response Squad's Social Vices Unit between October 29 and November 2, 2026.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the operation was conducted on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, and involved operatives of the Command working with other security agencies.

According to him, the team stormed several flashpoints and black spots across the city, including Gwange, Santiago, Texaco, Ajari, Budum, Shehuri, Bulabulin, Baga Road, Polo, Damboa Road, Giwa Barracks area, Jiddari and Moduganari.

He disclosed that those arrested were linked to various offences ranging from public nuisance to drug-related crimes and unlawful possession of weapons.

"Screening of the suspects is ongoing, with a promise that those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law", Daso noted.

He said items recovered during the operations include 889 wraps of Indian hemp, 104 wraps of Erinmo, 7 packs of Colorado, 2 quantities of methamphetamine, popularly known as ice, 8 bottles of Codeine syrup, 266 tablets of D5, and 11 rounds of live ammunition.

Other exhibits recovered are 13 tablets of Diazepam, 11 tablets of Tramadol, 7 capsules of Tramadol, 300 capsules of Exole, 4 ice bunkers, 1 bottle of Methylene Chloride, 4 sharp knives, 1 cutlass, 1 axe, 3 sets of Shisha pots and 11 pieces of ice bulbs.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, lauded his men for what he described as commitment, vigilance and a proactive approach to maintaining public safety, while assuring residents of sustained intelligence-driven raids to dismantle criminal networks.

"The Command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations, intensifying the fight against illicit drug activities and dismantling criminal hideouts and networks capable of threatening public peace and security", the CP reaffirmed.

He also urged the public to continue to support the police with credible information to aid crime prevention in the state.